Quick connect &amp; release clamping system

ABSTRACT

A quick connect and release clamping system for releasably attaching intravenous (IV) poles to gurneys or bed frames. This system can also be used for quickly connecting and releasing members of other structures and items. The clamping system consists essentially of two clamping halves pivotally connected together and shaped to form an opening to receive an IV pole, at least one pin for releasably fitting within openings of a gurney or bed frame, and a releasable connector between distal ends of the clamp halves for securing the two halves in a locked position around the IV pole, thereby quickly and releasably connecting the IV pole to the gurney or bed frame.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to clamping quick connect and release systems that can be quickly and easily attached and removed between two objects, thereby releasably connecting the two objects together in a safe and secure fashion. In particular, the instant invention is most useful within hospital applications wherein it is a common occurrence to wheel an intravenous (IV) pole next to and alongside a gurney or bed frame. The instant invention will make it much easier for one person or attendant to wheel and move a gurney or bed frame and an IV pole together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within many hospital applications it is a common occurrence to wheel an intravenous (IV) pole next to and along with a gurney or bed frame. This becomes very difficult when only one person or attendant is available to move both the IV pole or bed frame together to thereby transport a patient. A method or system became necessary to temporarily and quickly attach and remove the IV pole to a bed frame or gurney frame as a patient was being transported such that it could be done by the one person or attendant. A clamping system was developed to accomplish this task in the most efficient and quick method possible. Many clamping mechanisms and systems are cumbersome and take time to attached and remove onto and between objects. However, the instant clamping mechanism is designed to make attaching and releasing clamp portions to both the IV pole and gurney or bed frame very easy a quick. Further, the instant clamping mechanism Eliminates the need to move IV lines, bags, pumps, etc. back and forth from IV pole to IV pole each time a patient is transferred in and out of a bed or gurney saving time and effort of multiple personnel. It also eliminates risk of heavy pumps being accidentally dropped on a patient during a transferal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention includes a quick release clamping mechanism that is designed primarily for the quick releasable interconnection and disconnection between intravenous (IV) poles and gurneys or bed frames. This system can also be modified and used for quick releasable interconnection and disconnection between other structures and members. The clamping system consists essentially of two clamping halves pivotally connected together and shaped to form an opening to receive an IV pole, at least one pin for releasably fitting within openings of a gurney or bed frame, and a releasable connector between distal ends of the clamp halves for securing the two halves in a locked position around the IV pole. Thereby, quickly and releasably connecting the IV pole to the gurney or bed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a one-pin clamping mechanism in the opened position.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a one-pin clamping mechanism in the opened position.

FIG. 3 is a view of a one-pin clamping mechanism installed upon a bed frame, within a single hole of the bed frame, and with the locking pin about to be installed.

FIG. 4 is a view of a one-pin clamping mechanism being installed upon (or removed from) a bed frame, within a single hole of the bed frame.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a two-pin clamping mechanism in the opened position.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a two-pin clamping mechanism in the opened position.

FIG. 7 is a view of a two-pin clamping mechanism installed upon a bed frame and within two holes of the bed frame.

FIG. 8 is a view of a two-pin clamping mechanism being installed upon (or removed from) a bed frame, and within two holes of the bed frame.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of the instant clamping mechanism (1) is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, wherein two clamping halves (3 and 4) are pivotally connected together at adjacent end portions and shaped to form an opening (5) therebetween that is adapted to receive a linearly extending intravenous (IV) pole (6). At least one pin (7) is extended from one of said two clamp halves and is adapted to releasably fit within an opening (8) of a bed frame (9). A connector (10) releasably connects distal ends of the clamp halves such that the halves are releasably clamped and locked around the IV pole, such that the IV pole can be quickly and releasably connected to said bed frame. The connector (10) includes a plate (11) rigidly connected to and extending horizontally from one end of one clamp half (3) and includes a hole (12) at an end portion of the plate opposite from the end connected to the clamp half; a second plate (20) is rigidly connected to and extending horizontally from one end of the second clamp half (4) and includes a hole (13); and a removable pin (10) is sized to snugly fit within both holes (12 and 13), such that when the clamp is closed around the IV pole and pin (7) is within bed frame hole (8), the two holes align and the pin is placed within both to thereby lock the two clamp halves in place. FIG. 3 shows the clamping mechanism in place and being secured by pin (10). Once pin (10) is in place and secured, the IV pole will be securely and removably attached to the bed frame and capable of being transported therewith. Once the apparatus (including the bed frame, IV pole, and clamping mechanism) is in the desired location, the procedure is reversed, wherein the pin is removed, clamp half (4) is swung open, and the clamping mechanism is lifted up out of the hole in the bed frame and removed, thereby quickly and easily releasing the IV pole from the bed frame.

A modification to the preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, includes the use of a second pin (14). Pin (14) is similar to pin (7) and extends from the second clamp half (4) and is adapted to releasably fit within a second opening (15) of said bed frame (best illustrated in FIG. 8) adjacent to the first opening (8) that is adapted to receive the first clamp pin (7), such that said clamping mechanism is capable of forming a connection between the IV pole and the bed frame that is not pivotable with respect to the bed frame. FIG. 7 shows the clamping mechanism in place and being secured by both pins (7 and 14) within holes (8 and 15) respectively, and therefore the IV pole will be non-pivotally secured and removably attached to the bed frame and capable of being transported therewith. Once the apparatus (including the bed frame, IV pole, and clamping mechanism) is in the desired location, the procedure is reversed, wherein both pins are removed from their respective holes, both clamp halves (3 and 4) are swung open, and the clamping mechanism is lifted up out of the holes in the bed frame and removed, thereby quickly and easily releasing the IV pole from the bed frame.

Within the preferred embodiment, and the two-pin modification, the pivotable connection is formed as a hinge joint (16), best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, comprising one vertical plate (17) on each clamp half and includes at least one vertical cylinder (18); and a vertical pin (19) adapted to be placed through the cylinders to thereby hold the vertical plates together and allowing pivotal movement in a vertical plane. This pivotable connection can also be formed from a pliable material, such as plastic, or any other mechanical device, configuration, or material that can essentially perform the same function.

In another embodiment, the pins can be formed as removal cylindrical sleeves and be tethered to the IV pole or respective clamp halves. The holes that receive the pins or sleeves can be ⅝ inch or ¾ inch in diameter and closely match the shape and size of the pins or sleeves to thereby maintain vertical and horizontal stability between the IV pole, the clamping mechanism, and the bed frame or gurney. Further, the holes within the clamp halves can be used to store the pins or sleeves until needed.

In another embodiment, clamp half (3) can be permanently fixed to the bed or gurney frame with the other clamp half (4) being closed around the IV pole and then secured using the pin to complete the connection. The clamp half that is attached to the bed or gurney frame can be retractable within the frame for easy and convenient storage.

In another embodiment, the clamping halves can form an opening having a horizontal cross-sectional shape chosen from a group of shapes including a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a polygon, a and star, thereby adapted to snugly fit an IV pole of a similar horizontal cross-sectional shape.

Materials used and chosen to form the preferred embodiment of the clamping mechanism are such that the overall mechanism is rigid, strong, durable, and reliable, and can be chosen from a group of materials including iron, steel, aluminum, bronze, plastic, and ceramic.

Any and all other obvious modifications to one or more of the parts of this invention are inherently incorporated herein. 

1. A clamping mechanism comprising two clamping halves pivotally connected together at adjacent end portions and shaped to form an opening therebetween that is adapted to receive a linearly extending member; at least one pin extending from one of said two clamp halves and adapted to releasably fit within openings of a bed frame; and a connector releasably connecting distal ends of said clamp halves such that said clamp halves are adapted to releasably clamp and lock around said linearly extending member, such that said linearly extending member can effectively be quickly and releasably connected to said bed frame. 2.) The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein said connector comprises a plate rigidly connected to and extending horizontally from one end of one of said clamp halves and including a hole at an end portion of the plate opposite from the end connected to said clamp half; a hole located in the other clamp half; and a removable pin sized to snugly fit within both holes, such that when the clamp is closed and forming the opening adapted to receive said linearly extending member the two holes align and the pin is placed within both to thereby lock the two clamp halves in place. 3.) The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein said connector comprises a pin similar to said pin extending from said one of said two clamp halves and extending from the other of said clamp halves and is adapted to releasably fit within an opening of said bed frame adjacent to the first opening that is adapted to receive the first clamp pin, such that said clamping mechanism is capable of forming a connection between the linearly extending member and the bed frame that is not pivotable. 4.) The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein the pivotable connection is formed as a hinge joint comprising one vertical plate on each clamp half and includes at least one vertical cylinder; and a vertical pin adapted to be placed through the cylinders to thereby hold the vertical plates together and allowing pivotal movement in a vertical plane. 5.) The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein the material used to form the clamping mechanism is chosen from a group of rigid materials including iron, steel, aluminum, bronze, plastic, and ceramic. 6) The clamping mechanism of claim 1, wherein the clamping halves form the opening in a horizontal cross-sectional shape chosen from a group of shapes including a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a polygon, a and star, thereby adapted to snugly fit an IV pole of a similar horizontal cross-sectional shape. 7.) A combination of an intravenous (IV) pole having wheels, a bed frame having wheels, and a clamping mechanism releasably connecting the IV pole to the bed; wherein the bed frame includes a series of holes each adapted to receive and hold a clamp pin; and wherein the clamping mechanism comprises two clamping halves pivotally connected together at adjacent end portions and shaped to form an opening therebetween for receiving a linearly extending portion of said IV pole; at least one pin extending from one of said two clamp halves and adapted to releasably fit within any one of said openings of said bed frame; and a connector releasably connecting distal ends of said clamp halves such that said clamp halves are adapted to releasably clamp and lock around said linearly extending portion of said IV pole, such that said IV pole can effectively be quickly and releasably connected to said bed frame. 8.) The clamping mechanism of claim 7, wherein said connector comprises a plate rigidly connected to and extending horizontally from one end of one of said clamp halves and including a hole at an end portion of the plate opposite from the end connected to said clamp half; a hole located in the other clamp half; and a removable pin sized to snugly fit within both holes, such that when the clamp is closed and forming the opening adapted to receive said linearly extending member the two holes align and the pin is placed within both to thereby lock the two clamp halves in place. 9.) The clamping mechanism of claim 7, wherein said connector comprises a pin similar to said pin extending from said one of said two clamp halves and extending from the other of said clamp halves and is adapted to releasably fit within an opening of said bed frame adjacent to the first opening that is adapted to receive the first clamp pin, such that said clamping mechanism is capable of forming a connection between the IV pole and the bed frame that is not pivotable. 10.) The clamping mechanism of claim 7, wherein the pivotable connection is formed as a hinge joint comprising one vertical plate on each clamp half and includes at least one vertical cylinder; and a vertical pin adapted to be placed through the cylinders to thereby hold the vertical plates together and allowing pivotal movement in vertical plane. 11.) The clamping mechanism of claim 7, wherein the material used to form the clamping mechanism is chosen from a group of rigid materials including iron, steel, aluminum, bronze, plastic, and ceramic. 12) The clamping mechanism of claim 7, wherein the at least one pin extending from one of said two clamp halves is adapted to be permanently connected within any one of said openings of said bed frame, such that the bed frame and clamping mechanism are permanently attached. 13) The clamping mechanism of claim 12, wherein the at least one pin extending from one of said two clamp halves is welded within any one of said openings of said bed frame, such that the bed frame and clamping mechanism are permanently attached. 14) The clamping mechanism of claim 7, wherein the clamping halves form the opening in a horizontal cross-sectional shape chosen from a group of shapes including a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a polygon, a and star, thereby adapted to snugly fit an IV pole of a similar horizontal cross-sectional shape.
 15. A method for releasably connecting an intravenous (IV) pole to a hospital bed frame for patient transportation comprising the steps of: a.) providing an IV pole having wheels; b.) providing a standard hospital bed having a frame that includes standard connector holes; c.) providing a clamping mechanism comprises two clamping halves pivotally connected together at adjacent end portions and shaped to form an opening therebetween for receiving a linearly extending portion of said IV pole; at least one pin extending from one of said two clamp halves and adapted to releasably fit within any one of said openings of said bed frame; and a connector releasably connecting distal ends of said clamp halves such that said clamp halves are adapted to releasably clamp and lock around said linearly extending portion of said IV pole, such that said IV pole can effectively be quickly and releasably connected to said bed frame. 16.) The clamping mechanism of claim 15, wherein said connector comprises a plate rigidly connected to and extending horizontally from one end of one of said clamp halves and including a hole at an end portion of the plate opposite from the end connected to said clamp half; a hole located in the other clamp half; and a removable pin sized to snugly fit within both holes, such that when the clamp is closed and forming the opening adapted to receive said linearly extending member the two holes align and the pin is placed within both to thereby lock the two clamp halves in place. 17.) The clamping mechanism of claim 15, wherein said connector comprises a pin similar to said pin extending from said one of said two clamp halves and extending from the other of said clamp halves and is adapted to releasably fit within an opening of said bed frame adjacent to the first opening that is adapted to receive the first clamp pin, such that said clamping mechanism is capable of forming a connection between the IV pole and the bed frame that is not pivotable. 18.) The clamping mechanism of claim 15, wherein the pivotable connection is formed as a hinge joint comprising one vertical plate on each clamp half and includes at least one vertical cylinder; and a vertical pin adapted to be placed through the cylinders to thereby hold the vertical plates together and allowing pivotal movement in vertical plane. 19.) The clamping mechanism of claim 15, wherein the at least one pin extending from one of said two clamp halves is adapted to be permanently connected within any one of said openings of said bed frame, such that the bed frame and clamping mechanism are permanently attached, and wherein the at least one pin extending from one of said two clamp halves is welded within any one of said openings of said bed frame, such that the bed frame and clamping mechanism are permanently attached. 20.) The clamping mechanism of claim 15, wherein the clamping halves form the opening in a horizontal cross-sectional shape chosen from a group of shapes including a circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a polygon, a and star, thereby adapted to snugly fit an IV pole of a similar horizontal cross-sectional shape. 